Again, we haven’t seen much of the royal’s private quarters in the castle. But we have seen a few glimpses, and there’s a definite theme when it comes to design. Green hues are featured prominently in the drawing room and other common spaces, and there are tons of tartan patterns on various carpets and curtains throughout the home. Overall, the decor scheme, which was depicted on The Crown, seems to be in line with that of a traditional Scottish estate. There appears to be mirror-topped marble fireplaces, upholstered chairs with box-pleated skirts, and lots of leather-bound books rounding out the stately interior.
In addition to chandeliers and trefoil designs, the ballroom is home to numerous mounted stag heads, a nod to the property’s history as a hunting destination. The royal family has been known to hunt grouse and stags on the property, as depicted in an episode of The Crown title “The Balmoral Test”. In the show, Princess Diana and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher both visit Balmoral for the first time. The former is able to roll with the punches of royal protocol and outdoor activities, while the latter is quite miserable.
5. Queen Victoria’s Dog Is a Permanent Fixture
If the castle isn’t impressive enough, you can’t help but be wowed by the estate’s grounds. Spread out over 50,000 acres, there’s plenty of space to enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and hiking, and there’s one heartwarming hidden gem out in the wild—a statue of Queen Victoria’s collie dog, called Noble.
6. Balmoral is Privately Owned
While official royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are owned by The Crown Estate—which is funded by British taxpayers—Balmoral is Elizabeth’s personal property, inherited through her family. Her only other privately owned residence is Sandringham, located in Norfolk, England.